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Volume 2 Number 7 July 2016

Physical Determinants of Educational Resources Management for Enhancing Students? Performance in Secondary Schools in Vihiga County, Kenya


Authors: Caroline Ayoti ; Grace Koteng ; Raphael Ongunya Odhiambo
Pages: 121-128
Abstract
Resource utilization is an integral part of the overall management of the school. Education in a school is explored by provision of resources, their maximum utilization and management. Proper management of resources enhances students’ performance and achieves the educational objectives. The success or failure of any organization, business or enterprise depends highly on proper management of human and material resources. The purpose of this study was to establish the physical determinants of management of educational resources for enhancing students’ performance in secondary schools in Vihiga County. The specific objective was to establish the physical determinants of educational resources management and their influence on students’ performance in secondary schools in Vihiga County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The sample size composed of principles, teachers, students and County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. Simple random sampling method, saturated sampling technique and purposive sampling method were used to select samples. Questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, observation schedules and document analysis were used to collect data. Reliability of instruments was explored in the pilot study conducted in 3 secondary schools. Results of reliability of the instruments were assessed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient test. Face validity was established by availing instruments to supervisors. Qualitative data from interviews was transcribed and reported according to emerging themes, categories and sub-categories while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to establish relationships between variables. Findings of the study revealed that the physical determinants of educational resources management were availability and adequacy of the resources. From the study, it is recommended that the government provides adequate educational resources in schools to enhance good performance of learners in exams.

Mastery of Secondary School Mathematics Contents by NCE Mathematics Teachers in North Central Nigeria


Authors: Agashi P. P. ; Obi C. N. ; Nwokike A. N.
Pages: 116-120
Abstract
The study investigated the mastery of secondary school mathematics curriculum by NCE mathematics teachers in North Central Nigeria.The study was guided by four research questions and one hypothesis. The instrument used for the study was a test on secondary school mathematics curriculum(TESSMAC). TESSMAC is a 60-item multiple choice objective tests constructed by the researcher in line with the curriculum and guided by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) standards. It was face validated by an experienced secondary school mathematics teacher and its content validity was assured using test blueprint covering all the four areas of secondary school mathematics. Its reliability was calculated to be 0.82 using the Po, Pc and K statistics. TESSMAC was administered on a purposive sample of 120 NCE mathematics teachers from 20 randomly sampled secondary schools in Benue and Kogi States in North Central Nigeria. The data collected was analysed using frequency tables, percentages and the z-test.  Among other findings, only 25% of the NCE mathematics teachers have mastered the curriculum. Based on these, some recommendations were made among which is that programmed instruction should be introduced in Nigerian schools.